WORK has started on demolishing a notorious shop that bore a sign with the infamous claim that it was the “biggest receiver of stolen goods”.

Contractors Dawnus yesterday began preparatory work to knock down the derelict store on the corner of Aquarium Street, Rhyl.

Denbighshire County Council owns the building which has lain empty for more than two decades and has been intending to knock it down for some time.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane who famously painted over the sign in 2008 is delighted that the “grot spot” will be consigned to the dustbin of history.

He said: “Many people have approached me asking what is going on in Rhyl and now I hope that the start of the demolition of this much maligned grot spot shows that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.

“Too many of the national media have come down and used this building and others to give a negative impression of Rhyl which still has so much to offer.

“I am pleased to see this work commence.”

But not everyone welcomes the shop’s demise.

Rab Neary, who owns a ceramic store across from the infamous landmark, is unsure about the supposed benefits of knocking it down.

“The sign was quite clever. In tiny writing it actually said it was the biggest receiver of ‘cut price lines’ and “we do not receive...” stolen goods.

“People from all over used to come along a photograph it so it was a tourist attraction.”

In his view knocking down the building won’t magically solve the problems of West Rhyl.

“I think by getting rid of one eyesore we’ll be revealing other eyesores.”

That view was rejected by the council’s regeneration portfolio holder David Thomas.

He said: “Regeneration is one of Denbighshire’s top four priorities and the demolition of this eyesore, which will then be replaced with a green space for residents to enjoy, forms part of a much wider and far reaching plan to regenerate this area for the benefit of all.”